• Well done! Completing the 'writing tools' section of your college essay has added depth and substance to your short-answer responses.

• Take a moment to review your brainstormed responses to ensure your short-answer questions are clear, complete, and well-written.

• How do you connect with your chosen major? Think about your interests, your personality, previous experiences, academics, work experience, and/or internships. 

• Visit the university’s website to explore your chosen major and academic college for more detailed information on your major selection.

• You will want to make sure that the academic program is a good fit for you.

• Are there specific qualities about the program that align with your interests and goals?

• Do any professors or current university research in the field resonate with you and your interests in the major?

• Learning about the program’s offerings, faculty, research opportunities, and honors programs will help you make an informed decision.

• Limit your short answer questions to no more than 250 words

• Reference the university’s website and find information about the honors program to which you are applying. 

• Make sure to pay attention to what that particular program is looking for in their students. 

• Do not submit a generic honors program paragraph that would answer a general honors question prompt for multiple universities. 

• You will need to make sure that you reference the honors program of interest along with any descriptive information about how that program relates to you specifically.

• If applicable, familiarize yourself with any university research projects that are currently underway, especially if the honors program is research-based.

  -In your short-answer response, you can reference specific projects and the researchers leading them.

  -If interested, you may also express the possibility of your future involvement in such endeavors.

Is there something you have created or made that has meaning to you?

• Try to use a creativity question to help build a better overall application.

• How might the admissions reader get to know you better as a person?

  -Look back on your descriptions of yourself. Think deeply about your values?

  -Why does this creative work bring meaning to you? 

• Can you use a creativity question to connect back to other areas of holistic review? 

• Below, is a fabricated example of using a creativity question while utilizing multiple areas of holistic review. 

“During my junior year, I was the head robotics leader for a team of five students from ‘Unnamed’ High school. Collaboratively, we created a robot that was capable of detecting fine tactile stimuli, with the goal of helping amputees one day regain the sensation of touch. My passion and drive for biomedical engineering allowed me to collaborate with my teammates and build a robotic prototype that placed 2nd place nationally at the National Robotics Competition. I find meaning knowing that I can utilize my engineering skills while personally benefiting the everyday lives of other people. The ability to create has instilled in me the determination to make a difference in the world. The experience of designing and building something with such a potential impact reinforced my belief that biomedical engineering is not just about creating a new technology, but it is also about transforming lives. As I move forward, I am committed to pursuing my passion for creating biomedical devices that bridge technology and humanity ensuring a meaningful and lasting impact on the world.” 

• Holistic Review Indicators in above example: Leadership, collaboration, service to others, initiative that will benefit humanity, connection to major, awards/recognition, goal-setter, & lifelong learner

• Maintaining a clear focus on holistic review indicators will help you create a targeted and cohesive application, even in your short-answer responses.